Stringed musical instrument.



Patented Dec. 31, 1918.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

P. J. AHACHICH.

STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENT. APPLICATION FILED MAR. 21. mi.

P. 1. AHACHI'CH.

STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 21| I9I7.

Patented Deo. 31, 1918.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

UNITED sTATEs PATENT oEEroE.

PETER J. AI-IACHICH, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR F ONE-FOURTH T0 MARTIN NEMAMICH, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 31, 1918.

Application filed March 27, 1917. Serial No. 157.697.

To all whom 't may concer/lt:

Be it known that I, PETER J. AHACHICH, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the city of Chicago, county of Cook, and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Stringed Musical Instruments, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in stringed musical instruments, and has for its object the production ofua combined banjo and harp capable of producing exceedingly pleasing music.

A further object is the production of an instrtunent as mentioned which will be of durable and economical construction and in which will be provided improved means for relieving the pressure on the head of the instrument of the bridge over which the strings pass. Other objects will appear hereinafter.

The invention consists in the combinations and arrangements of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

The invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this speciiication, and in which, j

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a musical instrument embodying the invention,

Fig. 2, a sectionl taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3, an enlarged section taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 1, and

Fig. 4, an enlarged sectional detail through one side of the head of the instrument at the upper edge thereof.

The preferred form of construction as illustrated in the drawings comprises a body formed of an annular metallic rim 5 over the upper edge of which is stretched a vibratory head 6 similar to that used at the present time upon banjos.

The head 6 is secured in position by means of a metallic band 7 with which cooperate adjustable securing devices S adapted to press the lower edge of said band down into engagement with an enlargement 9 provided at the periphery of said head as clearly illustrated in Fig. 3.

Projecting from one side of the rim 5 is a neck 10 in the form of a substantially U- shaped band the ends of which are rigidly fastened to said rim 5. Also projecting from the rim 5 at a slight angle to the neck 10 but in the same plane therewith is a second neck 11 of wood. The neck 10 is reinforced by a pair of spaced longitudinally extending bars l2 which also connect opposite sidesl 'of the rim 5 for reinforcement of the latter. Cross rods 13 are also provided :in neck 10 for additional reinforcement. The outer ends of necks 10 and 11 are rigidly connected together by connecting piece 14 which may be of any ornamental design desired.

Employed in connection with the instrument are two sets of strings 15 and 16 which are connected at their rearward ends to pins 17 which project from one side of the rim 5. In order to reinforce the rim 5 at the place of connection therewith of said strings, a plate or flange 18 is provided which is arranged over the head 6 and con nected with the upper edge of the band 7, the same being rigidly secured to said band as by soldering. With this arrangement said plate' 18 reinforces the band 7 and through it the rim 5.

Said strings project over the head 6 and in close proximity thereto, the opposite ends of strings 15 being connected with key adjustable pegs or posts 19 which are rotatably mounted in the end piece 14 at the outer end of neck 10. The strings 16 extend as seen for coperation with the neck 11, being connected with pegs or posts 20 adjustable by stems 20 of conventional design. Provided at the upper side of the neck 11, for coperation with the strings 16 is a finger board 21 in which are arranged spaced frets 22.

The strings 15 and 16 pass over bridges 23 and 24 respectively which rest upon the head 6. In order to regulate the pressure of the strings 15 upon the bridge 23 and consequently toregulate the pressure of said bridge upon the head 6, a bar 25 is provided which is interposed between the bridge 23 and the fastening pins 17, over which said strings pass as clearlyr seen in the several views. The bar 25 is loosely mounted at its ends upon threaded posts 26 which rise from the band 7, nuts 27 being threaded upon said posts upon which the ends of said bar rest. Downwardly extending recesses 26 are formed in the ends of said bar for clearance for the upper ends of posts 26. With this arrangement it will be seen that the bar 2,5 will be supported in a manner to permit of vertical ad- Cil justment of the same in order to permit of ready adjustment of the same for use in connection with bridges oi' various heights. The bridge 24 being arranged so close to the periphery of the head G, and there being only four strings passing thereover, said head i is capable of easily withstanding the pressure ol? the bridge, so that in this case the strings 16 may pass under the bar 25 as seen in Figs. 1 and 3. However if desired the strings 16 may be passed over the bar 25 in order to prevent undue strain upon the head 6.

ln playing the instrument the player grasps the neck 11 in the left hand, using the lingers to depress the strings 16 into contact with the various t'rets 22, the right hand of the player being used to pick the strings. rihe air or melody will be played upon the strings 16 and the accompaniment will be played upon the strings 15. Said set-s of strings are simultaneously played, the music produced being very pleasing. While l have illustrated and described the preferred form of construction 'for carrying my invention into eil'ect, this is capable ot' variation and modification Without departing from the spirit of the invention. I, therefore, do not Wish to be limited to the precise details of construction set forth, but desire to avail myself of such variations and modifications as come Within the scope of the appended claims.

Having described my invention what l claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A musical instrument of the class described comprising a body having a frame and a vibratory Hat head stretched on said frame; strings extending in close proximity with the upper side of said head; a

resting on said head over which said strings` pass; means engaging said frame for relieving the pressure of said strings on` said bridge, said'nieans comprising a bar over which said str'ngs pass; threaded posts projecting from said frame; and nuts threaded on said posts on which the ends of said bar rest, substantially as described.

3. A musical instrument of the class def scribed comprising a body having an annular frame and a vibratory flat head stretched on said frame; a band embracing said frame and engaging with the edge of said head for stretching the latter taut, strings extending in close proximity with the upper side oi' said head and being secured to said frame at one side of the latter; and a reinforcing plate arranged above said head and connected With the upper edge of said band at said side of said frame, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

PETER J. Alle.CHICH.V

l/Vitnesses:

JOSHUA B1. H. Por'rs, HELEN F. Lntms.

Gopies o! this patent may he obtained tor ve cents each, lay addressing the commissioner f Patent. Washington, D. G." 

